Although the Roman Forum and the Leaning Tower are synonymous with Italy, such landmarks only scratch the surface of this magical country's offerings. Much as she did in Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes introduces us to the Italy only the locals know, as she and her husband, Ed, eat and drink their way through 13 regions—from Friuli to Sicily. Along the way, she seeks out the cultural and historic gems not found in traditional guidebooks, conjuring the enchantment of the backstreets, the hubbub of the markets, and the dreamlike wonder of that space between lunch and dinner when a city truly reveals itself.